The Illinois football team opened the season with plenty of momentum, racing to a 2-0 start behind a balanced roster and the steady leadership of head coach Bret Bielema.

But after three weeks, that progress has hit a serious roadblock. Illinois’ defense, already tested by Big Ten competition, has now lost one of its most important pieces.

Senior defensive back Xavier Scott, who left last week’s 38-0 win over Western Michigan with an ankle injury, will be sidelined for the majority of the season.

Bielema confirmed that Scott will undergo surgery, as reported by Joey Wagner of 247Sports. It was explained that while there remains a slim chance the veteran could return before the year is over, the expectation is that the Illinois football team will need to play without its top defensiv

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